Shots Clicked by Osama Imtiaz

Pakistan‘s biggest Concert of the Year 2011 “Rock n Raag” Performed by Quratulain Baloch , Bilal Khan , EP & Ali Azmat at Beach View Club , Karachi on 30th December 2011!

Check out the complete pictures Gallery:

Read more at: EP, Bilal Khan, QB, Ali Azmat & Zia Live at Beach View (Concert Pictures)

Entity Paradigm (EP) live preformed at Pearl Continental Hotel, Rawalpindi, here are the some exclusive concert pictures..

Shots Clicked by : Arooj Fatima

Check out the Gallery:

Read more at: EP Live in Concert at PC , Rawalpindi (Concert Pictures)

Entity Paradigm performed in Islamabad (Concert Pictures) 

Gallery

Read more at: Entity Paradigm performed in Islamabad (Concert Pictures)

*NOTE: This post is the predecessor of Revisiting Coke Studio Season One and Revisiting Coke Studio Seaon Two.*

Disclaimer: This series only highlights the performances that are given in the previous Coke Studio seasons, it is CERTAINLY NOT a TOP 10 LIST or the best of the best produced by PakiUM. PakiUM may or may not agree with the order of songs reviewed in this post.

As of today, Coke Studio has aired three successful seasons, and today we are going to take you back to the third and the last year season:

Coke Studio – Season Three:

The third installment of Coke Studio was aired in between the summers of June and August 2010. Five episodes were aired in the third season and they were entitled Reason, Will, Conception, Form and Realisation. It mainly focused on the Sufism and the artists that performed in this season are:

-         Abida Parveen
-         Arif Lohar
-         Noori
-         Entity Paradigm (EP)
-         Meesha Shafi
-         Arieb Azhar
-         Karavan
-         Zeb and Haniya
-         Amanat Ali
-         Fakir Juman Shah
-         Rizwan & Muazzam
-         Sanam Marvi
-         Tina Sani
-         Aunty Disco Project

The highlights of Season Three:

Even though this season of Coke Studio didn’t surpass its last season in form of expectation and hype, but it provided us some awe-inspiring Sufi tracks, sung mainly by the great Abida Parveen, Fakir Juman Shah, Arif Lohar, and Sanam Marvi.

11. Karavan – Yaadein

Yaadein is a different track from Karavan that will take you to a beautiful melody, which is actually created by the house-band members, especially by the violinist, Javed Iqbal. The vocalist, Tanseer Ahmed Daar must also be credit with having a gentle voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auqCzXMIvs0

10. Karavan – Kaisay Mumkin Hai

Karavan, probably one of the most under-rated bands of Pakistan, is on the list again, and this time they are singing Kaisay Mumkin Hai. The house-band members, yet again, create a magical environment. But anyways, you would feel that the song would’ve been a bit longer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldlLfd8RUCg

9. Amanat Ali – Ae Wattan Ke

One of the finalists of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007, Amanat Ali hits the list for the first time, singing a patriotic rendition of Ae Wattan Ke Sajeelay Jawanon Incredible stuff by Gumby and all the team of Coke Studio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXQzzJZXcYc

8. Noori – Hoor Vi Neevan Ho

After making their mark in the second season, Noori hits back at Coke Studio exceptionally well. You’ll feel magic all around you after listening to this track as it contains Ali Hamza’s mature voice, Ali Noor’s incredible range, and Jaffer Zaidi’s inspiring work on piano.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUcaCYx0kzI

7. Meesha Shafi – Chori Chori

After Zeb and Haniya in season two, Meesha Shafi comes out as the dark horse of season three. I love the way how the house-band members play a huge role in this song, creating a haunting environment, whilst Meesha showcase her breath-taking vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ4k4035JdA

6. Sanam Marvi – Manzil-e-Sufi

Sanam Marvi, hailing from Hyderabad, Sindh (finally someone from my home-town, eh? ) is a beautiful and talented artist. Manzil-e-Sufi is a Siraiki track which explains you that music, certainly, has no language.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxFaUIxezkc

5. Fakir Juman Shah – Moomal Rano

A Sufi track that most people will somehow find hard to understand so therefore, I urge all of you to understand the context of the song first and foremost before making any decision on it. This is what we are; this is our tradition, our culture. Thanks to Rohail Hyatt and his team for bringing us back to our original roots.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkOQutaHaZc

4. Abida Parveen – Soz-e-Ishq

Soz-e-Ishq is a divine track, dedicated towards the love of the Almighty. Abida Parveen (who in my opinion has THE BEST voice in the earth today) is behind this wonderful composition. Just feel the entire track with your eyes closed and you’ll too get in to the spiritual love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaII05SfX9E

3. Abida Parveen – Nigah-e-Darwaishan

Nigah-e-Darwaishan contains soul-touching poetry explained by the mesmerizing voice of Abida Parveen. I truly feel blessed after listening to this amazing composition. Her talent is just out of this world. Outstanding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl5eZb4eudc

2. Arif Lohar & Meesha Shafi – Alif Allah

Alif Allah is probably one of the most-watched and most-liked songs of Coke Studio. A track with an insane composition, having the voices of Arif Lohar and Meesha Shafi, and the musical arrangements by the Coke Studio house-band members; spell-bounding!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjaH2iuoYWE

1. Abida Parveen – Ramooz-e-Ishq

Having her at the top makes me feel great as she’s such a legendary artist, and truly a living legend. And she, undoubtedly, is one of the finest Sufi vocalists of the modern era. Ramooz-e-Ishq is a Sufi song in which Abida Parveen portrays the poet’s thoughts by her charismatic voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0EoMozYWSs

Coke Studio’s remarks and the future:

In these past three years, Coke Studio has done exceptionally well in promoting our culture and traditions to the entire world. From the artists to the producer to the house-band members, Coke Studio has played a major role in changing the dimension of Pakistani music industry. It is an awe-inspiring platform, were our beloved artists showcase their incredible capabilities to amaze the nation, and the world as well.

It is probably one of the few shows that have everything for everyone, from the matured ones to the younger ones. Pakistan is a nation that has so many different cultures and mixing them together produces something really special, and that really is where Coke Studio arrives. Kudos to Coke Studio and Rohail Hyatt for an extraordinary show, for making us groove to their breath-taking tunes, for making us understand what we really are, and for taking us back to our roots.

And with just less than one day to go, the thunder-storm of Coke Studio is all set to hit Pakistan with its powerful wave once again. The first episode of Coke Studio Season 4 is going to feature Bilal Khan, Mizraab, Jal, Sanam Marvi, Akhtar Chanaal, and Komal Rizvi.

So, what do you people think? Will this edition of Coke Studio surpass its previous seasons? What artist you’re looking forward to see in the Coke Studio Season 4? And what’s your favorite ‘highlight’ was from all the seasons? Post all your important feed backs/comments so that we know what you guys like and dislike. Thanks for taking your precious time in reading my post.

Sayanora!

Read more at: Revisiting Coke Studio – Season Three

The Express Tribune reported on 12^th of May that the talented female duo of Zeb and Haniya has signed with the record label True Brew Records to release an up-coming EP.

What’s an EP ?

EP stands for “extended play” as they are longer than the original single , usually containing 4 tracks. Artists usually release EPs before their whole abum comes out. It is to give the fans a taste of what is coming. It could include anywhere from 2 to 10 songs often depending on the length of the full album.

“We are feeling a bit more confident, so we are taking a few experimental steps here and there, kind of pushing our envelope a little bit,” said the vocalist Zebunnisa Bangash, popularly known as Zeb. She also added that they are looking to collaborate with and involve several well-known and lesser-known artists in this EP.

Speaking to Tribune, Zeb also praised the Indian entertainment industry by calling them having a “huge classical music tradition”. It is definitely a possible hint that Zeb and Haniya would love to work with the Indian industry.

“In the past few years, our folk covers have gained more attention so our compositions had been left behind,” said the guitarist Haniya Aslam, before claiming that this time the duo will specially look forward to put in their own essence, their own composition.

Their up-coming EP will feature a track called “The Happy Song” that has gained popularity already as it is clearly a beautiful song that defines the “beauty during a time of darkness and turmoil”.

*Source – Express Tribune*

Read more at: Zeb and Haniya to release an upcoming EP this year

Photography by Fahad Suleman

Read more at: EP Live at IBA , Karachi [24th April 2011] (Concert Pictures)

LET’S GET UNITED AND REBUILD OUR PAKISTAN

EMESAP as a responsible organization is the first event management company to initiate a benefit concert for the flood victims. We have joined heads & hands with Pakistan’s leading bands Strings, EP & Overload to organize a benefit concert on 25th September, 2010.

All the bands have taken great value & soul ownership for performing in this difficult & critical time where humankind is fight…ing for its survival in Pakistan therefore, EMESAP & the bands appeal to you to donate & support this cause to its extreme.

Venue: Carlton Hotel, Karachi.
Date:
Concert Saturday, September 25, 2010.

Timings: 8:00PM — 1:00AM.

Gate Opening:
For Families & Couples: 06:00PM-07:00PM.
Stags: 07:00PM Onwards.

Facilities:
Security Measures in Place.
Separate Gate Entry points for Individuals & Couples/Families.
Ample Parking Space for Concert Goers.
Separate Cover Areas for Families & Couples.

Donation Pass Price: 1250 PKR for Standard Single Pass, Couples & Families.

Tickets Are Available at:
SUBWAY, NANDO’S, EBCO, NAHEED SUPERMARKET, KAYBEE AND LARAIB MUSIC STORE (BOAT BASIN).

Or reserve you tickets by contacting these numbers.

0323-297-8632 — Yasir
0323-297-8465 — Murtaza
0323-297-8691 — Hasan
021-3432-5660 – Office

Read more at: CONCERT FOR A CAUSE – STRINGS, E.P & OVERLOAD LIVE IN CONCERT on 25th September

Download Audio : Shor Macha (Low Quality RIP)

Download Audio : Shor Macha (Original Mp3 Version)

Shor Macha By Entity Paradgim ( EP )

Download Video : Shor Macha

Shor Macha
Dir: Bilal Lashari
Wardrobe: Munib Nawaz
Styling: Mahram

Read more at: Shor Macha By Entity Paradgim(EP) Download Audio/Video

My All-time Favourite Pakistani Rock & Metal Songs (Till 2009)

By Havi Zayed

It’s always an extremely difficult task for me to name the best Pakistani songs and bands when people ask me. Naming a band is always difficult because the bands I like seem to be those that no one has ever heard about. When I’ve been asked about my favourite songs it has been difficult for me to pick particular songs because I haven’t really thought about it much. Being a music fan with thousands of songs on your hard drive you simply can’t pick a handful and say these are my best without reflection. It definitely takes time to go through the songs to prepare a comprehensive list.

Since I have for the first time reflected on the question this is a list of my favourite Pakistani Rock and Metal songs. Though I deeply admire the bands that are considered to be on top of the Rock music scene I haven’t included songs such as Shayad by Call or Humein Aazmaa or Kahan Hai Tu by EP for the purpose of introducing the bands that are lesser known. I’ve always had some sympathy for these bands in the first place. They produce good music and don’t get the attention they deserve.

There is definitely one thing about these songs for sure. If you love either Rock or Metal you are surely going to love these songs. Guaranteed! And if you haven’t heard them you’ll ask yourself why.

You can right click > “save target as” on the title of the tracks listed below in order to download them:

Kali Raatein by Irtaash

Irtaash is by far the band that is seen as an inspiration to the Pakistani underground music scene despite the fact that the band has already released its debut video. This is almost solely because of the hit single “Kali Raatein”.

Having launched their debut video the band is not really underground anymore but the fact that they are not famous all across Pakistan for this track is heart rendering. Just like Shayad made Call famous this song is Irtaash’s ticket to fame. That is if there is anything such as ticket to fame in Pakistan where unfortunately many Pakistanis themselves are ignorant of their own music.

In any case the song at least made Irtaash an inspiration for other upcoming underground bands. It is very common to hear Kali Ratein today in gigs and concerts where new underground bands are playing.

More tracks By Irtaash

Qaid by Kain

This song was an instant treat for Rock Lovers from the progressive rock band based in Lahore. With Umar Mansoor’s powerful vocals being flanked by the roaring guitars of the bands three guitarists nothing seems to be more typical of Kain than the song “Qaid” which is nothing less than a hit by the much acclaimed Progressive Rock band.

This is one of the best Pakistani rock songs to have on your hard drive. The video of this track has also been released but that hasn’t managed to impress me much.

More tracks by Kain

Noor E Aa by Visaal

This is a brilliant song and is Visaal’s most famous track. Kaavish and Visaal both have managed to get some coverage from the local media.

The theme of the video is blindness and focuses on the difficult life of a child with this affliction. The video however was disappointing. The band seemed to be too intent on keeping the camera on itself. It can be said the theme was good enough but the video was just annoying and I kept waiting for a glimpse of the girl and how she copes.

More tracks by Visaal

Umeedain by Soch

Soch is a two member Lahori band but unfortunately the band received very limited attention and even the ones who keep themselves updated about new underground tracks have little or no knowledge of this band. Perhaps a video would bring them into the limelight as currently Soch has not managed to release any video.

Umeedain is a powerful track about hope. With powerful guitars constantly slowing down and picking up pace again the track is bound to rock your socks off. If you like heavier stuff you’d like Parchaiyan better though.

Parchaiyan by Soch

This is a captivating track which is enhanced by the powerful voice of Adnan the lead vocalist of Soch. This is definitely a must listen and is a treat for all Rock Lovers. Since this song was released at the same time that Dar from Kain was released which was the time when I listened to Pakistani music the most I have grown tired of it otherwise it would have been somewhere on the top for me.

Soch is currently working on the video of this song but one thing is for sure. The duo definitely makes a pair to be reckoned with.

Kuch Naheen-Saturn

This is a powerful track from the band which Rocks out of Islamabad. With Salman Zaidi on Lead Guitars, Aashir Irfan on Bass and Shahbaz Asad on Drums (Used a lot in this song) complimenting Shahbaz Zaidi’s dominating voice this posse is definitely out there for some destruction.

Unfortunately my white friends in Canada have taken more interest in this song than Pakistanis themselves. But whoever has heard it has loved it that is for sure.

Khamoshi by Streben*

Streben is a Dubai based band and although the majority of its members are Pakistani not all of them are Pakistanis. Having been in contact with the band I can definitely say they are out to make a major change.

They have released their album Breaking the Silence which clearly speaks of the hard work of several years. Each one of their tracks released in the album is worth listening to. Not one of them can be called a bad track. However many of the songs that I have heard from Streben have not been included in the album. This includes Ja Panchi, Rog and Kehnde Ne Naina.

In any case most people tend to agree that of all these tracks Khamoshi was by far one of the best songs of the album and is sure to steal your heart even if you aren’t a Rock music lover.

More Tracks By Streben

Roz E Azal by Positive

Roz E Azal is a powerful track with captivating lyrics from the rock band hailing from Jamshoro.

This song first gained attention mostly because of the video. The band discusses Child Abuse in the video and is an interesting concept as statistics say that over 70% of Child abuse in Pakistan actually goes unreported and untold.

All the three videos that have been released by Positive so far have very powerful themes that focus on Social Issues. Unfortunately despite being a very good band the place they have been hit at is “fame”. They got virtually none to limited attention but this is definitely not the only band faced with this problem.

More tracks by Positive

Tum by Kain

I think it is needless to say that each song this band has released till now has by far been a hit and real delight for Rock Lovers. Tum by Kain was another such song which I have been in love with ever since I heard.

Janay Aur-Streben

Janay Aur is the heaviest tracks from Streben in their Album Breaking the Silence and is only contested with Qaed. It is also the debut video of the band.

Insaan by Streben

I think I just can’t have enough of Streben ever since they launched their new album. I have basically fallen in love with the album. The song Insaan is definitely packing a punch.

Raakh-Saturn

This track which starts with the Pakistani National Anthem is followed by the screeching base guitars and a rocking song. I admire the lyrics of this song the most. The theme is basically how the Pakistani people have forgotten the vision of the Quaid and of their Nation and have forgotten the importance of their land.

I deeply admire the band’s drummer Shahbaz Asad. He seems to complete the band. It is also noticeable for both the songs Kuch Naheen and Raakh that there is a major role for the drummer in this band along with the guitarists.

Intezaar by Khifa

Intezaar is a brilliant song from Khifa. I somehow just managed to stumble upon it at some music site and later realized it was a great song. The band remains a shadowy one with only limited information about it being available. Though it continually keeps releasing tracks very little is known about the band.

Dar-Kain

When this song was launched it may very well have topped my charts but I have listened to it so much it has sort of worked up on me.

Though it is one of the best tracks many people assume that Dar is the debut video of Kain. However Qaid was released before Dar.

Qaed by Streben*

Is another heavy track from Streben and is a killer song from the band. It’s a must listen for Rock Lovers.

Sawera by Aatish

Aatish made their debut with the video of this song where we have multiple vocalists. This song is soft rock but it is still classified as rock and is part of the category that is so common in Pakistan. The other songs Aankhein and Saawan are also good tracks as well.

More tracks by Aatish

Rida E Shab by Nijat

Nijat has produced a number of songs that include dhola, kyun and so mat jana. Rida E Shab is the only Rock song in all this material with the rest being classified as blues.

The effort in Rida E Shab definitely carries some weight and noticeably requires some listening to understand.

More tracks by Nijaat

Har Subha-Lahu

This is a track from Lahu and for some reason I admire it more than Daira which is more widely acclaimed. In any case Har Subha definitely packs a punch.

Laagay Na by Visaal

This is another powerful track by Visaal but is lesser known than Noor E Aa. However Rock Lovers are likely to love this song. Many Rockers have claimed it is better than the track Noor E Aa by the same artist however the debate rages on!

Yaad Naheen by Surkh

Some people argue that Juda by Surkh was much better than Yaad Naheen. Unfortunately I couldn’t fall in love with the song as I did with Yaad Naheen. This is much more melodious and catchy. I believe whatever the song is the voice is the most important factor. Maybe that was why I didn’t like Juda as much.

However even fewer people know of this band and many have not even heard of it. The video of this track has been released but it played on the screen for only a very limited period of time.

Saakia by Anasthazia

Saakia is a song from the band Anasthazia. There is very little known about the band and few people seem to have any details about the band but the band has released some good tracks that is for sure.

This is by far the best song from Anasthazia. Though there is limited information about them they have definitely released one album.

Pal by Naqsh

This is a good track by Naqsh. It also has a good message and is indeed a thought provoking song. It teaches us to learn from our mistakes. Now young people like me hardly ever do that.

Maula by Signature

To exclude Signature from this fray of artists would actually be a crime. Maula is a brilliant song by the band signature. It’s a must listen.

Insaan by Needlework

Furqan Ali Shah has done a number of musicals for the band Needlework. Insaan however is backed by vocals as well and considering the fact that it is one of their few songs with vocals it is not badly done. In fact it seems the vocals complete their songs.

Siyah by Snake 8

This might come as a surprise because this is a real hardcore metal song. But noticeably the band has some intense Urdu lyrics which can only be understood by someone with a good commanding power over the language. Whether the person like this song depends on how used to they can get with heavy metal accompanied by Urdu lyrics.

But if you are looking for one of the heaviest metal beats without screeching vocals in Pakistan this is the song you should look at. If you like Nightwish or DragonForce you are sure to love this.

Dua by Gravity

It wouldn’t be fair to exclude Gravity from the picture completely as they are also a great band and are well known throughout the underground.

Dua is my favourite song from the band Gravity.

Duniya by Lithium

This is a sad song about the coldness of the world and reminds us of the difficulty with which so many people live. The vocalist of this band has definitely carried the nature of the song very well.

Nazuk Khwab-Anasthazia

Nazuk Khwab is another faultless track from Anasthazia. The band seems to have a liking for Rock music.

Daira-Lahu

Certainly a great track from Lahu. It is definitely a great Rock Song but maybe it’s just that I have grown too tired of it that I don’t listen to it as much anymore. Nonetheless it’s a luxurious song.

Baykhudi-Zeejah

This is a track by the band Zeejah which has done a number of musicals. It is actually a pleasure to know that for the first time when they have actually managed to use a vocalist the result has been exceptional.

Perhaps a vocalist was what their songs were actually lacking all along.

Dobara Awaz do-DRUG

Unlike its other predecessors this version of Dobara Awaz Do by DRUG manages to convey the sense of doom and destruction brought on by the Kashmir Earthquake rather well.

Many versions of the song have been played and on various themes other than the Kashmir Earthquake as well. However of all the ones I have heard this is by far the heaviest one.

EXPLORE OUR COMPLETE UNDERGROUND MUSIC LIBRARY

* not available for free download because it is included in the band’s debut album “breaking the silence” which have been removed from our servers upon request of Sangeet Records.

Read more at: My All-time Favourite Pakistani Rock & Metal Songs (Till 2009)

Sound of the free

‘Rock on Pakistan’ a charity concert kicked off on the 13th of August at Carlton Hotel featuring Ep, Call, Aaroh, Lagan and Mekaal Hasan. Images of the band and the artists performances. Photos by Mohammed Farooq & Usman Dada.

Source: Dawn Media Gallery

Read more at: Pictures: Rock On Pakistan featuring EP,CALL,AAROH & Lagan